I am from pretty dresses and hair barettes, 
from playing and dressing up as a princess.
I am from the pool in the backyard,
fun, clean, it smelt like chlorine. 
I am from the Black Eyed Susan flowers, 
the grass
whose blades were green and always freshly cut.
I’m from the Hershey Park family vacations and
eating dinner with the television on

I am from "Did you do your homework?" and
"What do you want for dinner?"
I'm from midnight mass on Christmas Eve,
singing all the hymns with the choir.

I'm from Commack, Long Island, New York,
jello and ice chips 
From the late hospital nights after the car accident,
the love my family gave me to stay strong. 
I was from soccer fields and dance competitions.
I am now from music, theater, singing, dancing for fun, and the stage.

I am from the photographs that hang on the wall, 
the albums that contain thousands of memories. 
I am from a big family where I shine in my own way.